Mon Mar 23 09:20:41 UTC 2026: ### Rajasthan High Court Orders Regularization of Long-Serving Daily Wage Worker, Cites Welfare State Obligations

The Story:

The Rajasthan High Court has ruled in favor of a daily wage driver who served the government for nearly 30 years, ordering his regularization. A division bench, consisting of Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Sangeeta Sharma, emphasized that a welfare state cannot rely on the exploitation of daily wage workers to perform core public functions. The court stressed the state’s responsibility to act as a model employer and parent to its employees, especially those in vulnerable socio-economic positions, and condemned the inaction that forced the employee to seek legal recourse.

Key Points:

  • The Rajasthan High Court ordered the regularization of a driver after nearly 30 years of service as a daily wage worker.
  • The court stated that a welfare state cannot operate “on the spine of contractual/daily wage workers.”
  • The court criticized the state’s inaction and its failure to promptly address the employee’s rights.
  • The ruling emphasizes the state’s role as a “model employer” and its responsibility to protect vulnerable employees.
  • The order was issued on March 16.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ruling highlights the ongoing struggle of daily wage workers in India for fair treatment and job security.
  • It underscores the judiciary’s role in holding the government accountable to its obligations as a welfare state.
  • The decision could set a precedent for similar cases involving long-serving contractual or daily wage employees in Rajasthan and potentially other states.
  • The ruling serves as a reminder of the ethical responsibilities of employers, particularly government entities, towards their employees.
  • The case emphasizes the importance of timely action by state officials to prevent legal battles and ensure the rights of workers are protected.

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